The rumors you say you've heard are false. I have some engines that have been running PS2 for 17 years, and I have never had a motor go bad.
You didn't mention their age. The original PS2 locos used an 8.4 volt battery. They can be identified by either no charging port underneath (under the tender if steam) or by a round charging port. If you have any of those, do not power them up until you've opened them up and checked the battery. If it's white, replace it before operating. Later locos used 2 rechargeable pencells, and are more durable. They have a rectangular charging port. If you post the model numbers, someone will certainly tell you which category they are in.
Are you trying to run these using a DCS system, or conventionally?
